If you're in the danger zone, try to limit deductions that aren't allowed in AMT--for example, unreimbursed employee business expenses. (Ask for a bigger expense account instead of a raise.) And pick your muni bond funds carefully: Certain muni interest is taxed in the AMT.
Under their single European monetary policy, euro-zone countries have already agreed to limit their budget deficits and to respect broad guidelines in making economic policy.
The extra cuts are needed to deal with what forecasters say would otherwise be a 2013 budget deficit of 4.5% of GDP, way over the 3% limit enshrined in the euro zone's new fiscal pact.